Spike TV

Talk about great timing. Just as stories of Somali pirates and suspenseful standoffs on the high seas make the headlines, Spike TV has announced that it has greenlit a pilot for “Pirate Hunters: USN,” a documentary series that will focus on the U.S. Navy’s antipiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

That’s the same region where Capt. Richard Phillips was held hostage by pirates for five days before being rescued during a firefight between his captors and Navy snipers. U.S. Navy antipirate forces, including those involved in the rescue, will be featured in the pilot.

According to Variety, Spike and its production crew have struck a deal with the Navy allowing the network to place cameras aboard both the USS Boxer and the USS San Antonio.

Better start taking those steroids muscle enhancers because Spike TV is offering a chance of a lifetime. You can be the first player to finish Gears of War 2 in this Microsoft and Spike TV contest.

According to the official Gears of War 2 Web site, “Microsoft and Spike TV are searching for diehard gamers to audition for a real-life televised Gears of War 2 adventure.”

Real-life huh? OK, this could be really good or really bad depending on the production values of this event. Prospective players have to fill out a questionnaire, send a photo and write a 150 word e-mail on “why YOU should be among the first to play Gears of War 2!”

I suppose you have to look good on camera for this thing. You also have to be 21 years of age or older. Sorry kids, unless you look like the governor and have a fake ID, this is probably a no-go for you.